Family Series - Meeting the Needs of the Moment

 last Week - Unmet needs in marriage

Noted:
(1)  We are created needy beings - by God (before the fall) - created with a need!

(2)  Some of our needs can only be met by people! 
which is by God's design!!

focus here = emotional and relational needs

(3)  IF married, your spouse is to be your PRIMARY need meeter.   (soul/filler/satisfier)

When needs are not met, leads to a degree of emptiness; alone-ness, dis-satisfaction, incompleteness, "not right"
You may not be able to identify or describe your need ... but you know when it isn't right!

BUT, (4)  the focus of scripture is NOT getting your needs met... the focus of scripture is on you meeting the needs of others!  (or.... Another!) 
touchstone verse = Phil. 2:5-8

Add:  (5)  Your needs won't necessarily be the same as your partner's needs!
difference of gender, personality, temperament, background, baggage
Example:  if unloved as  a child leads to greater need for security!!

And,  (6)  Your partner's needs will CHANGE from time to time!
ie:  the needs of today are not the needs of tomorrow!! 
example:  comfort tank = full today!  But..... tragedy hits ???

So:  "Meeting the Needs of the Moment" - self-defining
Eph. 4:29

(credit to Karl Elkins @ biblicaltraining.org - David Ferguson)

Illustration:  bad day --> big fuss --> treat hubby as an incompetent boob....
later ... try to make up with snuggles and affection
BUT the need of the moment is replenish his Respect Tank

Illustration:  wife accused by co-workers/betrayed/fired!!!
Your response = "you're such a good looking woman!"  How about a little romance???
BUT need of the moment = comfort, encouragement, support

Point = you can lovingly attempt to meet a need and MISS IT!!

So ... how to recognize, respond, meet the need of the moment? 
will deal with that in detail next week.

OBSERVATIONS:

(1)  your husband is always gonna be a clod!!  Not everyday!  But from time to time!!!

BUT .... isn't this (clod) the one you want to spend the rest of your life with???  (substitute nag/witch?)

(if "yes" then = establishing good will)

(2)  So why resign yourself to "the way it is" IF can have an Improved clod?  (Nag/witch?)
(no reason can't develop and improve)

(3)  On one hand, not way you (as single individual) can implement this alone  (= team sport/ partnership endeavor)

However, you as individual) can begin the Process!!  (be the 1st mover!!)
Eph. 5:25-29 - Point = Jesus sacrificed for the the church to improve her so He'd have a better bride!

Closing Scripture:  Phil. 4:8